It doesn’t take much

When we started Yellow more than two years ago, we sometimes fell into the trap of creating elaborate designs for each session. 

In our weekly reviews, we would find ourselves getting excited about avenues to explore in the upcoming week. The playground of Yellow was an empty canvas where we could test ideas without restraint. Our innocent enthusiasm propelled us into new and funky territory. We went with our energy, creating detailed outlines for each session, making sure that they packed a full punch. 

But in hindsight, there were other motivations at play behind intricate designs. Our desire to impress and please others being one example. At a subconscious level, we believed that because participants had devoted significant resources—in terms of money, time, and attention—to be part of the programme, we had better make it worth it. Elaborate plans for sessions were the result.

Slowly we came to realize what was happening. Our intricate plans were getting in the way of what was important. 

Yellow is a space where people can catch a glimpse of themselves by responding to stimulus. This requires less, not more. Participants need space to mull over the questions, themes, and exercises that we suggest. By making sessions too intricate, we were depriving the groups of having the time and allowance to unfold their responses more fully. 

It took us a while to realize this. And we still have to remind ourselves on a weekly basis to let go. While getting into the weeds can be helpful as a creative process, we need to remember to find our way back out.

We're learning that we don't need much for each session. This isn't to say that we don't need to prepare, nor that anything will suffice. Details in language and intention are crucial to setting the right mood and tone. But the more we can let go of our own desires to please others, the more space there is for everyone to come alive – ourselves included.  

By now we know that we can trust that there will be a spark of some kind when we design sessions. Our own excitement is a telling radar for when we have stumbled across something. If we're excited about it, then chances are it will ignite something in others, too. 

Enough can be enough – if we allow it to be.